Hospitality and tourism sectors targeted
The upcoming Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Riyadh, slated from April 29 to May 1, 2024, will underscore a significant theme: the growing role of women in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
With a strong emphasis on female empowerment, the event aims to propel more women into careers within these industries, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s socio-economic goals.
To commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, and the imminent FHS Saudi Arabia, voices from the Middle East’s hospitality sphere have highlighted women’s pivotal contributions and strategies to nurture them into industry leaders.
Contributing role
Organised by The Bench, FHS has now launched #FHSWomenPower, offering complimentary access to Saudi female hospitality leaders. This underscores the upcoming event’s commitment to recognising women’s significance in the sector.
Experts like Marie-Louise Ek of Hilton, Shaikha Al Nowais of Rotana, Marloes Knippenberg of Kerten Hospitality, Eng. Orobah Filfilan of Saudi Icon, Norah Al Tamimi of Baheej Company, and Aseel Bondagjy and Maryam AlQahtani from Neom have weighed in on their organisations’ initiatives to champion gender diversity and empower women, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Ek underscored Hilton’s inclusive work environment, highlighting their ‘Women in Leadership’ programme, which has trained over 15 facilitators to groom female leaders and hotel managers. Similarly, Knippenberg highlighted Kerten Hospitality’s commitment to diversity with initiatives like Nakhati, a female-led brand.
As Al Nowais articulated, Rotana boasts a 31% female workforce, reflecting their strides in gender diversity. Flexible policies, like flexible working arrangements and maternity leave, contribute to a supportive workplace culture. As Filfilan shared, Saudi Icon prioritises employee well-being and offers adaptable workflows.
Tamimi highlighted Baheej Company’s commitment to breaking gender barriers, with her appointment as CEO exemplifying their progressive ethos. Bondagjy, representing Neom, underscored tailored programmes like culinary arts and leadership training to equip Saudi women with hospitality skills.
Female talent
Moreover, educational initiatives like the Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality, set to open in 2027, offer specialised training to nurture female talent.
These initiatives aim to inspire more women to pursue careers in hospitality by showcasing successful female leaders and offering mentorship.
With over 60% of Saudi Arabia’s population under 30, the hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to groom young women for leadership roles in the Arabian Gulf nation, one that draws its enormous wealth from oil, a critical factor in climate change.
Events like FHS serve as catalysts for driving diversity and women empowerment in the industry. By amplifying women’s voices, fostering dialogue, and showcasing female expertise, such events inspire and empower women to excel in hospitality, driving diversity and empowerment in the sector.
As Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors continue to evolve, the spotlight on female empowerment aligns with societal aspirations and propels the country towards a more inclusive future.
Featured image: #FHSWomenPower offers complimentary access to Saudi female hospitality leaders. Credit: Brooke Lark
